[url=http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2007/01/16/news/lake_county/c3a12bd89c0066b98625726500065d5b.txt]C.P. to look at purchase of Chase Bank property CROWN POINT: Land near square targeted in city's master plan[/url]

The Redevelopment Commission has authorized Assistant City Attorney Pat Schuster to inquire about the purchase of the Chase Bank property on the west side of the square.

Commissioner Bob Corbin said the property was targeted in the city's master plan for possible public improvements.

"We want to look at opportunities on the square," he said. "As the property becomes available it makes sense to at least look at how it would fit into the development of downtown."

The land at 115 S. Court St. is near the corner of South Court Street and U.S. 231 heading toward St. John. The city already has purchased a couple of other properties near the square, including land on the north side of the library that was turned into a parking lot and more land south of the Civic Center.

The Chase Bank property will be appraised and then Schuster said the city will consider making an offer for the property.

Mayor Dan Klein said the city has not come up with any specific plans for the land yet.

Disaster Dan strikes again! I agree 231 does not need to be "straightened out"! It will become a racetrack for trucks! I think the Mayor feels he needs to do something to justify the $160,000+ of taxpayer money he spend on the Lakota Group?s plan for the city.